Knowledge Base

What is the HTC Vive?

HTC Vive is the first consumer virtual reality (VR) headset developed in partnership between HTC and Valve, released in April 2016. It requires a powerful gaming computer to run and uses the SteamVR platform for software.
The Vive headset is pictured in the center. Notice the camera at the bottom center of the headset. The two laser-emitting base stations are next to the headset, and next to those are the hand controllers.

The HTC Vive has the largest play space in the VR Lab, as well as some unique accessories. Using two laser-emitting base stations mounted in opposing corners of the VR Lab, you can walk around a 14 feet by 14 feet space while wearing the headset. It is also coupled with two hand controllers that allow you to use your hands when interacting with VR. The Vive has a front-facing camera that lets you see the real world without having to take the headset off. Soon, The Garage will have several Vive Trackers, which are small tracking pucks with tripod mounts that you can attach to just about any object to positionally track it in VR. This will enable full-body tracking, including foot and torso tracking, among other exciting possibilities. There are also accessories under development for wireless VR, which will hopefully be available some time this year, allowing use of the headset without the heavy wire.